Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek
 

Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek

  • Transportation
    Private Vehicles / Domestic Flight
  • Group Size
    2-12
  • Destination
    Annapurna Region Trekking
  • Altitude
    4,500 m
  • Duration
    12
  • Activities
    Trekking in Nepal
  • Meals
    B, L, D
  • Difficulty
    Easy to Moderate
  • Accomodation
    Hotel/Teahouse

Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is an exciting hiking adventure that combines two popular trails in Nepal’s Annapurna region. You can combine the best parts of the local villages, forests, and Himalayan mountains on this amazing adventure.

The trek is divided into two parts – first is the famous Poon Hill hike, and second is the newer but equally stunning Mardi Himal trek.

On the Poon Hill section, you’ll hike through rhododendron forests and charming villages to reach the beloved Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters. From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre at sunrise.

After Poon Hill, you’ll descend to join the Mardi Himal trail, trekking through more forests and villages. The Mardi Himal route takes you up to high altitude camps with stunning mountain vistas. The high point is the Upper Viewpoint where you can admire the soaring Annapurna peaks up close.

You’ll be able to take in Nepal’s famous mountain landscape throughout the walk, and you’ll get to know friendly ethnic groups like the Gurungs and Magars. Trekking through the trails of two popular treks is an amazing experience.

Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

  • Trekking through lush rhododendron and oak forests
  • Experiencing sunrise views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other Himalayan giants from Poon Hill (3,210m)
  • Visiting ethnic Gurung and Magar villages like Ghandruk, Landruk, Ulleri
  • Crossing suspension bridges over glacial rivers
  • Stay at High Camp and Low Camp with spectacular mountain panoramas
  • Hiking to the Upper Viewpoint near Mardi Himal Base Camp for up-close Annapurna views
  • Relatively less crowded trekking routes compared to Annapurna Base Camp
  • Opportunities to learn about the local cultures and lifestyles
  • Savoring delicious Nepali cuisine like dal bhat along the trail

Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

DAY 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

DAY 03

Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti Then Trek to Ulleri

DAY 04

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

DAY 05

Early Morning Hike to Poonhill, Then Trek to Tadapani

DAY 06

Trek from Tadapani to Landruk

DAY 07

Trek from Landruk to Forest Camp

DAY 08

Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp

DAY 09

Hike to View Point (4500m/14763ft), then Return to Low Camp

DAY 10

Trek to Siding Village and Drive To Pokhara

DAY 11

Drive Back to Kathmandu

DAY 12

Final Departure

Includes/Excludes

What's included?

  • Arrival and departure transfers between airports and hotels
  • 2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • 2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Meals on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Accommodations in teahouses/lodges during the trek
  • An experienced, English-speaking government-licensed trekking guide
  • Staff expenses like salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, and allowances
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card fees
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara and Pokhara-Kathmandu transportation by tourist bus
  • Arrangements for emergency helicopter rescue service if required (travel insurance must cover costs)
  • All applicable government taxes and official expenses

What’s excluded?

  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu).
  • Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule
  • Extra drinks as alcoholic & non-alcoholic
  • Surplus luggage charges for domestic airport
  • Additional costs by out of management control due to the landscape, weather conditions, illness, change of government policies, strikes, physical conditions, etc.
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, telephone, wifi, hot shower, etc.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guide and staffs

Useful Info

Best Time for Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek

The best seasons to do this trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these months, the weather is generally dry, clear, and mild, providing excellent visibility for the mountain views.

Spring is considered the best for rhododendron blooms that paint the forests in vibrant red and pink colors. Autumn offers crisp, sunny days perfect for trekking.

Winters (December-February) can be quite cold, especially at higher elevations, with a chance of snow. Summers (June-August) bring hot conditions and the possibility of afternoon cloud bursts.

Avoiding the monsoon (July-September) is advisable due to increased rainfall, potential landslides, and poor visibility. With proper preparation and gear, spring and fall remain the prime periods for this spectacular Himalayan trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty level. No prior trekking experience is required, but you need to be physically fit and healthy. 

The trail is well-maintained, but there are still challenging uphill and downhill sections. Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary to help your body adjust to the increasing altitudes gradually. 

With a good fitness level and preparation, most reasonably active people can complete this rewarding Himalayan adventure comfortably. The incredible mountain scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek Permit Information

Permit Required Fee
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Yes 1. NPR 3,000 (USD 24 approx.) for foreigners 

2. NPR 1,000 (USD 8 approx.) for SAARC nationals

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card Yes 1. NPR 2,000 (USD 16 approx.) for foreigners

2. NPR 600 (USD 5 approx.) for SAARC nationals

Trekking Permit for Restricted Areas No

Food and Accommodation on Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek

For accommodation, you’ll be staying at teahouses or lodges run by local families along the trekking route. These provide basic but clean multi-share rooms and amenities.

In terms of food, the teahouses serve simple yet delicious Nepali meals like dal bhat (lentil soup, rice, curry), momos (dumplings), noodles, and pasta. You can also find more Continental options like pizza, pancakes, and bakery items in the lower region. Beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are readily available to keep you energized on the trails.

Packing List

Here’s a packing list for the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek:

Category Items
Clothing
  • Hiking shirts (synthetic, quick-dry) 
  • Hiking pants/convertible pants
  • Thermal base layers 
  • Fleece/insulated jacket 
  • Waterproof jacket and pants 
  • Warm hat, gloves, and scarf 
  • Hiking socks (synthetic or wool) 
  • Sleepwear
Footwear
  • Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in) 
  • Sandals/comfortable shoes for camps
Accessories
  • Sunglasses 
  • Sun hat/cap 
  • Headlamp/flashlight 
  • Trekking poles 
  • Gaiters (for snow/mud)
Backpack
  • 40-50L backpack with rain cover 
  • Day pack (20-25L)
Sleeping
  • Sleeping bag (rated for low temperatures) 
  • Sleeping pad/insulation mat
Toiletries
  • Toilet paper, wet wipes 
  • Sunscreen, lip balm 
  • Personal medications 
  • Towel, soap, shampoo 
  • Sanitary products
Documents
  • Passport, permits, insurance documents 
  • Copies of important documents 
  • Cash and cards
Miscellaneous
  • Water bottle/hydration system 
  • Snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.) 
  • Basic first-aid kit 
  • Camera, batteries 
  • Book, journal, pen 
  • Plastic bags for waste 
  • Trekking map

FAQs

How difficult is this trek?

This trek is graded as easy to moderate in difficulty level. It is suitable for beginners with a decent level of physical fitness. However, no prior trekking experience is required.

What is the best time to do this trek?

Do I need any special permits?

What kind of accommodation is available?

What kind of food is available on the trek?

Is it possible to hire a guide or porter?

What are the highlights of this trek?

Do I need to be acclimatized for this trek?

What kind of gear and equipment is necessary?

Is there any risk of altitude sickness?

USD 840 Per Person
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